Three non-executive directors support the proposal from Allied, but the company's namesake and three directors are holding out in favour of Hess, a Swiss company which tabled an offer last month.

Allied's proposal is 10% higher than Hess at &#xA3;59.5m but this figure could rise to &#xA3;61.8m if it gains 90% support of shareholders.

However, Mr Lehmann has a 10.5% stake in the Australian company, sufficient to prevent Allied gaining the control it needs for the higher payout. Allied already owns 14.5% of the Australian wine maker.

It is thought Mr Lehmann is concerned that the brand he founded in 1978 will lose its identity within Allied.